John Bernstein was a fierce, unstoppable force at WIDB 1982-5 for great production, motivating WIDB’s only entry into the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, and appearing on David Letterman (albeit in the audience—more than once).  Since WIDB, John spent years as a longtime producer at Disney Studios in California, and before that at CNN. He ran the Atlanta Film Festival, and curated others including AFI Fest and Sundance.  

Remembering his days at WIDB, John decided to (what else?) join up with producers of a documentary about college radio.  It will review history, and the current state, but focus mainly on the period of “biggest cultural impact” about 1970-98 or so.   John joins the documentary’s director Michael Millard, (from college station KTXT, Texas Tech, Lubbock) who shares the spirit.  

“I wish I had been a better DJ. Listening to some of my old air checks is a bit painful,” admits John. “Even though I had no idea what I was doing at the time, I took my time at IDB very seriously and look back on it fondly. No, I didn’t go into radio, but working at WIDB absolutely had an impact on my career path, and my taste in music to this day.” John will be at the reunion and will probably have more to share about the project.  To check out their early teaser trailer for the documentary (that includes a few WIDB images and even a moment of an aircheck with Dan at the beginning) go to 35000watts.com/kickstarter.